The University of Arizona Faculty Senate voted to change final exam passing times and passed a resolution against Arizona’s new immigration law on Monday.
More than 40 senators particpated in the proceedings, including President Robert Shelton.
Newly inaugurated Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Emily Fritze, Graduate and Professional Student Council President Emily Connally, faculty officers, Executive Vice President and Provost Meredith Hay and Shelton were given approximately 25 minutes to deliver reports before discussing various items on the agenda.
Discussion turned to whether donors to the UA should be allowed to donate funds strictly to the athletics department.
“”I agree completely that athletics is not at the core mission of this university. It is, however, part of this university,”” Shelton said. “”It is an important part in many ways in terms of visibility, in terms of excellence, in terms of support for this institution.””
Others felt the donations were unjustifiable.
“”It seems to me that athletics is getting out of hand. It’s ridiculous, paying a basketball coach the millions that we do. It’s getting to the point now that we can’t even justify it,”” said Sen. Andrew Silverman, a clinical professor in the College of Law. “”It might behoove us to sit down and talk with (the) new athletic director about the current situation. Reduce expenditures so more money doesn’t have to be raised.””
The senate voted unanimously to change final exam and college commencement ceremony schedules after Fritze gave a statement regarding students’ opinions about the proposed changes. They approved the recommendation that “”passing time between final exams be reduced to 30 minutes, allowing final exams to be completed by Thursday of the final exam week.””
“”We had someone present to the ASUA Senate and they were actually very excited about the proposed plan,”” Fritze said. “”I think the idea that finals would be done one day earlier, on that Thursday, was appealing. Senators expressed that they normally do not have exams one after another and that less passing time would be beneficial.””
The Faculty Senate also passed a motion to encourage Arizona legislation to repeal Senate Bill 1070, Arizona’s new immigration bill.
Silverman stated in a memorandum to the Faculty Senate that it is imperative for the Senate to take a position on the matter.
He motioned that “”the Faculty Senate of the University of Arizona (call) on Arizona State Legislature to repeal the ‘Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act’ (SB1070). If not repealed, the Senate asks the Arizona Board of Regents and the University Administration to establish as restrictive and narrow policies as possible in implementing SB1070.””
